uirements of children a
schedule showing the number of calories per pound of body per day is
included on opposite page.
The food requirements are such as to allow of a steady increase in the
weight and stature of the child; the rate of gain for normal children
should be as follows:
AVERAGE RATE OF GAIN PER WEEK, FOR NORMAL CHILDREN
=======================+==================
_Age_ | _Average_
_Boys_ | _gain,_
| _Ounces_
-----------------------+------------------
First year | 3-1/2 - 4-1/2
Second year | 2-1/2 - 3
Third year | 1-3/4 - 2
Fourth to eighth year |
(inclusive) | 1-1/4 - 1-1/2
Ninth to eleventh |
year (inclusive) | 1-3/4 - 2
Twelfth to thirteenth |
year (inclusive) | 2-3/4 - 3
Fourteenth to |
sixteenth year |
(inclusive) | 3 - 4
=======================+==================
=======================+==================
_Age_ | _Average_
_Girls_ | _gain,_
| _Ounces_
-----------------------+------------------
First year | 3-1/2 - 4-1/2
Second year | 2-1/2 - 3
Third year | 1-3/4 - 2
Fourth to eighth year |
(inclusive) | 1-1/4 - 1-1/2
Ninth to twelfth |
year (inclusive) | 1-3/4 - 2-1/4
Thirteenth to |
fifteenth year |
(inclusive) | 2-3/4 - 3-1/4
Sixteenth and |
seventeenth year |
(inclusive) | 1 - 2
=======================+==================
The averages just given are for healthy children; those who are
underweight for their age and height should show a more rapid increase
in weight with an increased food allowance. It must also be remembered
that a simple gain in weight is not sufficient evidence of a child's
normality; a freedom from gastro-intestinal disturbances, and a
resistance to disease, are equally essential.
There have been tables arranged to show the proper weight for height
for boys and girls of different ages (see appendix). These are
valuable since, by their use, attention is called to the child who is
not up to the average. Medical examination of such children frequently
shows reason for their underweight, and measures may be instituted
which may save the child f
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